Chapter 109
Chapter 109: Sewing a Coat for Xiao Nanye
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
After a brief conversation with Liu Xiu, Liu Hao left Elegant Garden.
...As he left, Liu Xiu turned to Jiang Peihuan and asked in a soft voice, “Huan Er, you had Hao Er fetch those things. Do you intend for the Prince Qing to present them to the Emperor?”
“Yes.”
Seeing Jiang Peihuan nod, Liu Xiu’s eyes filled with doubt. “If we present such things to the Emperor, he would certainly be enraged. Wouldn’t the Prince Qing bear even more ill-will towards the Liu family then?”
“Aunt, even without these things, the Prince Qing is already targeting our family,” Liu Xin interjected before Jiang Peihuan could respond.
Turning to Liu Xiu and Jiang Peihuan, Liu Xin continued, “I’ve never intentionally provoked these people, but whether it’s Yan Kuan or the Prince Qing, they view me as a toy. Rather than being at their mercy, I’d prefer to take control of my own fate.”
Jiang Peihuan looked surprised upon hearing Liu Xin’s words. She initially had Liu Hao do these things merely to undermine Xiao Junhao’s trust in the Emperor. Now, hearing Liu Xin’s words, an idea took shape in her mind.
Turning to Liu Xin, she proposed, “Liu Xin, I have an idea that might deter the Prince.”
“What is it?”
Before Liu Xin could respond, Liu Xiu, eager to know, spoke out of turn.
Looking at the two, Jiang Peihuan said in a low voice, “Even a prince cannot force a married woman to be his. If Xin Er can get married immediately, even if the matter reaches the Emperor, the Prince Qing will have no grounds for objection.”
“That’s a good plan. But where can we find a suitable family at this time?”
Since ancient times, selecting a husband was a careful process. If they were to arrange a marriage for Liu Xin now, they wouldn’t have much time. But this was not for Jiang Peihuan to worry about. All these considerations fell to the Liu family.
After a few more words with Liu Xiu, Jiang Peihuan left Elegant Garden.
“Yue Er, help me prepare some elegant, light-colored fabrics,” she instructed upon returning to Palm Garden.
Remembering the words that Xue Yan had shared with her, Jiang Peihuan thought about the many gifts Xiao Nanye had given her, despite her never having given him anything.
The handkerchief, of course, did not count.
In the identity of Xiao Nanye, he lacked nothing. After some thought, Jiang Peihuan decided that sewing him a coat could express some of her sentiments.
Upon hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, Yue Er quickly prepared a few pieces of plain and elegant fabric. Finally, Jiang Peihuan chose a piece of deep blue Shu brocade.
“Miss, what do you want to do? I can help you,” said Yue Er, gathering the remaining fabric and bringing needles and scissors.
However, Jiang Peihuan shook her head, “No need, I’ll do it myself.”
“You’ll do it yourself?” Yue Er was filled with confusion. Seeing the expression in her eyes, Jiang Peihuan remembered she didn’t yet know how to sew in this life.
In her past life, however, she had learned embroidery in order to win over Xiao Junhao.
Although she couldn’t compare to a master, she could hold her own.
“I learned a bit from my mother,” she muttered, picking up the scissors.
Yue Er stood aside, closely watching Jiang Peihuan’s actions. This was high-quality Shu brocade, and if Jiang Peihuan were to ruin it, Yue Er could possibly fix it.
But seeing Jiang Peihuan’s smooth and proficient cutting motions, Yue Er was full of surprise.
Jiang Peihuan paid no attention to Yue Er’s surprise and carefully recalled Xiao Nanye’s physique. After the time it took to brew a pot of tea, she had cut out all the fabric needed for the clothes.
“Miss, are you sewing clothes for the young master?” asked Yue Er.
Jiang Hong’s couple was known to have a great relationship, with all their clothes made by Xue Yan. So, upon seeing Jiang Peihuan’s cut fabric, Yue Er’s first thought was that they were for Jiang Changbai.
However, upon hearing this, Jiang Peihuan shook her head, “No, it’s not for my elder brother.”
“Not for the young master?”
Yue Er was stunned, then exclaimed in surprise, “Miss, are you preparing to sew an overcoat for King Cheng?”
“Yes,” Jiang Peihuan didn’t say much, just nodded in confirmation.
Seeing Jiang Peihuan’s nod, Yue’er’s interest was piqued.
All the maids could see Xiao Nanye’s feelings for Jiang Peihuan. Now that she finally showed some interest in him, Yue Er was very happy.
Looking at the fabric on the table, Yue Er whispered, “Miss, this fabric is rather plain. If it’s for King Cheng, shouldn’t you embroider some patterns on it?”
Hearing Yue Er’s words, Jiang Peihuan carefully examined the fabric in her hands.
She remembered that Xiao Nanye always wore simple clothes.
After a thought, Jiang Peihuan looked at Yue Er and said, “Go prepare some silver thread for me.”
“Yes.”
Not knowing Jiang Peihuan’s intentions, Yue Er prepared everything she needed.
Jiang Peihuan worked swiftly, and two hours later, an overcoat was finished.
Looking at the garment on the table, Yue Er couldn’t help but speak, “Miss, your sewing skills are impressive, the stitches are almost invisible.”
Upon hearing Yue Er’s words, Jiang Peihuan smiled but said nothing.
Glancing at the sky outside, she spoke softly, “It’s getting late. You can rest first.”
“Yes.”
Jiang Peihuan preferred not to have anyone staying overnight in her room, so hearing these words, Yue Er prepared to leave. As she left, she adjusted the lamp to make the room brighter for Jiang Peihuan.
Watching Jiang Peihuan picking up the needle and thread again, Yue Er said softly, “Miss, don’t stay up too late, it’s bad for your eyes.”
“Mm.”
Seeing Jiang Peihuan nodding, Yue Er turned and left the room.
Perhaps she was used to being focused, so once she started, Jiang Peihuan found it hard to stop.
By the time she did, it was already daybreak outside.
Looking at the finished garment with its discreet embroidery, Jiang Peihuan gently rubbed her wrist.
She used same color thread to create hidden patterns on the entire garment, and used silver thread to edge the sleeves and hem.
Looking at the garment in her hands, a smile appeared in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes.
After a thought, Jiang Peihuan walked to the door and called softly, “Ye Xiao?”
“Eldest Miss.”
As soon as Jiang Peihuan’s voice fell, Ye Xiao appeared before her.
Although a room had been arranged for Ye Xiao, she had been watching over Jian Mei, so she was more accustomed to being up in a tree or on the roof.
Following Jiang Peihuan into the room, Ye Xiao looked at her and asked softly, “Miss, do you have any instructions?”
Jiang Peihuan neatly folded the garment on the table, and then wrapped it in a clean piece of cloth.